The comic artwork of Ryan Claytor.

Not only do I have a vested interest in this store because it is directly across from Michigan State University, where I teach a comics studio course, but also because one of the co-owners, Gabe, is a former student of mine. Speaking of Gabe, let’s have him and co-owner, Aaron, give you a tour of the place:

They’ve only been open since the first of the year, but they’ve already put together quite a classy establishment. Here’s the store exterior after the recent deluge of snow.

Once you step inside, you’re greeted with a modest but diverse selection of monthly comics and graphic novels.

What Hollow Mountain lacks in size it makes up for in customer service. Here’s Gabe helping yet another customer, something he was really good at. He has this amiable, knowledgable, zero-pressure way of talking with both new and established comic readers.

There’s also a selection of toys and accessories.

As you approach the back, there’s a secondary room set-up for gaming with board games, miniature games, and role playing games on display.

Did I mention that award-winning comic-artist, Nate Powell, is a friend of the store? Not long ago, Gabe commissioned Powell to illustrate a number of backgrounds for a play called the Outstanding Eight.

Naturally, the original artwork is proudly displayed in the store.

So, if you have a moment and you’re in East Lansing, MI, stop by Hollow Mountain Comics, Games, and Collectibles and show some support for these brave, young, entrepreneurs. …and tell ’em I say hello, while you’re at it.